Ronaldo Recovers From Difficult Week in Juve's Comeback Win
Cristiano Ronaldo bounced back from a difficult week by scoring a decisive penalty to help Juventus complete a 2-1 comeback win at Lazio on Sunday.
Juventus was overwhelmed for more than an hour at the Stadio Olimpico but two late goals enabled the Serie A leader to avoid its first loss of the season.
Ronaldo confidently struck his spot kick into the roof of the net three minutes from time — a week after he had a penalty saved during a win over Chievo Verona.
Also this week, Ronaldo pleaded guilty to tax fraud in Spain — adding to his off-field difficulties following an accusation of rape in a Las Vegas hotel in 2009. Ronaldo has denied any wrongdoing.
Lazio went ahead near the hour mark when Emre Can scored an own-goal.
But Joao Cancelo scored on Juventus' first chance less than 15 minutes later, turning in a rebound of a shot from Paulo Dybala following strong work from Federico Bernardeschi to provide a cross from the left flank.
Then Senad Lulic was whistled for a foul on Cancelo directly in front of the goal to set up Ronaldo's penalty.
Still, it was a difficult night for Juventus as defender Leonardo Bonucci hobbled off with an apparent injury in the first half.
Juventus didn't produce a single shot in the first half and defender Daniele Rugani had to clear a dangerous effort from Ciro Immobile off the line.
"For 50-60 minutes it was the worst Juventus of the season," Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini said. "We always struggle against Lazio but we're leaving with a good result."
The victory moved Juventus 11 points clear of second-placed Napoli, who were held to a 0-0 draw at AC Milan on Saturday.
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